11 Simple, Green Moves That’ll Help You Save Money and the Environment

DISCLOSURE:

Some of the links in this post are from our sponsors. We’re letting you know because it’s what Honest Abe would do. After all, he is on our favorite coin.

Growing up, I saw a lot of frugal household tricks from my family and friends.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Use plastic bags to line trash cans. Reuse paper grocery bags to cover textbooks. (That probably wouldn’t fly these days for iPads.) When it’s yellow, let it mellow…?

Our parents made us do these things to save money. Then I grew up and realized these are some of the same steps my hippie friends are taking to save the environment.

Instead of picking and choosing what to invest in, you tell Stash what you care about. Whether it’s tech innovation or environmental issues, Stash will put your money into a portfolio that supports your causes.

3. Support Green Companies

This account yields up to 1% interest on your balance — that’s 100 times more than typical checking accounts! Plus, it reimburses your ATM fees and lets you make automatic donations to causes you care about.

If you want to see your money grow even more, Aspiration’s Redwood Fund lets you invest in companies with sustainable and environmental practices, like battling climate change.

You can open an account with the Redwood Fund with a minimum $100. Like all of Aspiration’s services, its fee is on a pay-what’s-fair model — you choose!

4. Go Paperless

If you want to keep your brick-and-mortar bank, you could save a ton of paper waste by not getting monthly bank statements through the mail.

Do you really need that print out of every purchase?

Most banks offer a paperless billing option — but some kind of legalese requires you to opt into it. If you’re still getting stacks of paper from the bank every month, call or go online to ask about getting those statements online instead.

Thinking about opening a new account? You can do that online, too. These banks are offering bonuses for opening an account right now.

5. Ditch the Disposable Razors

Ever think about the amount of plastic you throw away from shaving? Few of us want to go back to the straight razor, but you can make a compromise.

With a paid subscription to Dollar Shave Club, you’ll get up to five new blade cartridges each month. You get a fresh blade — no sharpening required! — and throw away a fraction of the plastic.

If you’re just dipping your toes in, we recommend checking out the Chase Freedom Unlimited card. Its claim to fame? You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all your purchases. Plus, if you spend $500 in your first three months of opening the card (hi, groceries), you’ll pocket a $150 bonus.

There’s no annual fee, and the cash-back rewards don’t expire. We checked Credible’s annual rewards calculator, and it estimates $417 in annual rewards based on our spending habits.* (You can enter your unique spending habits and see what you’d earn, too.)

7. Get a $20 Amazon Gift Card for Using Clean Energy

Eric Hanson wanted a cleaner energy source, but didn’t have the option in his Maine home — and didn’t want to install pricy solar panels.

So he went with renewable energy company Arcadia Power, which helps you offset your monthly energy consumption with 100% renewable sources.

“On a fundamental level, the power that I use in my house is coming from renewable sources,” Hanson says. “By providing financial support for renewable energy sites, I can disrupt the market. I’m willing to support green growth.”

And, because you’re such a good person, the company will throw in a free $20 Amazon gift card.

9. Install a Smart Thermostat

Optimal summer temperatures are 85 degrees while you’re away and 78 when you’re at home. In the winter, aim for around 68 degrees when you’re home and 58 or less while you’re away or sleeping. Chilly — but frugal!

A Nest thermostat will learn your habits, so it can automatically turn itself down while you’re away and adjust to your preferred temperatures.

It costs about $290 upfront, but check with your utility provider to see if you can get a free or discounted unit.

Dry your clothes on the line, or use a fold-out drying rack if you have a small apartment.

Toss a clean, dry towel in with dryer loads to soak up water and require less time in the machine.

Hand-wash when you can. This protects your delicates, saves money on dry-cleaning and saves you from wasting water to use the washer

*Annual Rewards amounts will change based on the amounts you enter. The monthly spending category names and definitions may vary among issuers, and categories may not align one-to-one.

The information for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card has been collected independently by The Penny Hoarder. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of the credit card issuer, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the credit card issuer. The Penny Hoarder is a partner of Credible.